When The Royal Gazette was asked to support the 'Movember' men's health drive, Assistant Editor Jeremy Deacon felt a duty to take part.

But a clean-shaven man, Mr. Deacon admitted: "I'm already looking forward to shaving it off."

Prostate cancer is a major men's health concern and this November, the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is recruiting "Mo" men and sponsors to highlight issues around men's health.

"My father and his twin brother were both diagnosed with prostate cancer at exactly the same time," said 47-year-old Mr. Deacon.

"Both were treated successfully, but it has made me that much more aware of the issue of checking my health — although my wife will say I don't."

Men can pledge today through the Centre's website at www.chc.bm to start growing, and sponsors can support them to the bushy end on November 30.

Health is a cause men need to take more seriously. This month's "Mo" puts it out in the open.

"It's not just men in Bermuda who don't take their health seriously, it is men, period. We are terrible," Mr. Deacon said. "We can't even discuss it with our mates. We'd rather just hope it all goes away and gets better by itself."

Mr. Deacon said an earlier experiment with a goatee had not turned out well and as for a style of moustache, he said he hadn't made his mind up yet. "Maybe I'll just wait and see what happens."

On fundraising, Mr. Deacon said: "My wife, Elizabeth, said she'll pay me for all the times she does not kiss me."